VERDI (VEhicle Relayed Dynamic Information) is a field trial for testing the traffic telematics concept of the Mannesmann Group, initiated, managed and organized by Mannesmann Autocom GmbH, and carried out as a joint venture together with companies within the Mannesmann Group as well as external partners. The VERDI field trial started in April 1996 in Northrhine - Westphalia. During the trial the traffic information service coverage has gradually been expanded to cover the whole of Germany, the main focus remaining in the Rhine-Ruhr area. Approximately 850 vehicles have been equipped with in-vehicle units, enabling the use of various telematic services, and delivering information on the current traffic situation to the control centre. The trial ends in September 1997. VERDI has fulfilled its goal in verifying several of the initial assumptions on how such services can be technically and commercially implemented, but also made Mannesmann Autocom aware of some major, unforeseen technical and commercial issues essential for a successful introduction of such telematic services on a commercial basis. These issues were carefully considered when planning and implementing the Mannesmann Autocom PASSO services, and resulted in some essential changes in the original overall system as implemented in VERDI.
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